Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute welcomes 2 giant pandas

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) will receive 2 new giant pandas by the end of this year from China through an agreement with the China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA).¹ The pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, will join the rest of the Smithsonian’s NZCBI giant panda conservation program.

“We’re thrilled to announce the next chapter of our breeding and conservation partnership begins by welcoming two new bears, including a descendent of our beloved panda family, to Washington, DC,” Brandie Smith, NZCBI’s John and Adrienne Mars director, said in a news release.¹ “This historic moment is proof positive our collaboration with Chinese colleagues has made an irrefutable impact. Through this partnership, we have grown the panda population, advanced our shared understanding of how to care for this beloved bear and learned what’s needed to protect wild pandas and preserve native habitat.”

According to the release, Bao Li is a 2-year-old male whose name means “treasure” and “energetic” in Mandarin Chinese. Qing Bao is a 2-year-old female whose name means “green” and “treasure” in Mandarin Chinese.¹

Bao Li in his habitat at Shenshuping Base in Wolong, China. (Photo credit: Roshan Patel, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute)

“We look forward to once again calling the FedEx Panda Express into service and using our logistical expertise to safely move Qing Bao and Bao Li to Washington, DC,” Richard W. Smith, president and CEO, Airline and International, FedEx, said in the release. “It’s a privilege to take part in this next phase of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s giant panda program and provide the safest and most comfortable transportation for these beloved animals.”¹

During a 30-day quarantine period as per standard zoo procedure, the 2 pandas will have access to an enclosed area while the zoo keepers monitor the animals’ health. After this period, the pandas will have time to acclimate to their new environment and be available for public visitation once the animal health team grants approval.

Qing Bao in her habitat at Dujiangyan Base in Sichuan, China. (Photo credit: Roshan Patel, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute)

The zoo is also encouraging public and corporate donations for the new pandas to be used over the next 10 years. the funds will go towards exhibit renovations and health costs.

The agreement with CWCA also stated that any cubs born at NZCBI will move to China by the age of 4. These requirements, among others within the agreement, are in place to ensure the welfare of giant pandas in human care and expand work critical to the conservation of giant pandas in the wild.

Reference

Two new giant pandas coming to Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute from China by end of the year. News release. Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. May 29, 2024. Accessed May 30, 2024. https://nationalzoo.si.edu/news/two-new-giant-pandas-coming-smithsonians-national-zoo-and-conservation-biology-institute-china